Thursday, September 29, 2011

I have just discovered FABLES from Vertigo and I have been burning through the trades. I'm up to the 10th one right now. I've always heard great things about it but never got around to reading it. Since it's on my mind I thought I might do my take on the Snow Queen.

I will probably put this on eBay. I will hold off a couple of days in case anyone is interested. (SOLD)

This is watercolor and some color pencils on 11" x 17" Arches Watercolor Board.

I don't get requests for too many Marvel characters, so when Mike gave me a list to choose from I went with Electro. (The other two choices I could have gone with is Spidey and Conan) I believe I have only drawn Electro once before and that was part of a jam piece. Needless to say I had fun with this. Thanks Mike!

It's not too late to get in on the Conventionless Convention Sketch list. This is the last of the initial 20, but the list is still open and there are more sketches to come. Right now my commercial work is extremely light so if you want your own Conventionless Convention Sketch, let me know. Or spread the word to others that might be interested. I belong to very few message boards and I only announce this on Twitter, Google+, and Facebook, so I'm not reaching out beyond those that already follow me. I am open for color commissions too if anyone is interested. Thanks everyone!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

DC Comics Enchantress is another CCS for Vincent. I've always liked this look of the character. I remember being introduced to her in some reprint back up stories. I think it was in Adventure Comics during Supergirl's run on the title. And I think it was Jim Mooney who drew it, but I haven't seen those stories in years so I can't swear to it. Nonetheless I like this look. Thanks Vincent!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

This is the first of two request from Vincent. He asked for Vixen in her original outfit as drawn by co-creator Bob Oksner. Gerry Conway was the writer/co-creator. I remember seeing the house ads in the comics announcing Vixen in her own book, but it never came out. Comic news was hard to come by back then and it wasn't until years later that I learned that the series was cut as part of the DC Implosion of 1978. Thanks Vincent!

Conventionless Convention Sketch List Goes Into Extra Innings

This is the 18th of 20 Conventionless Convention Sketches. BUT, we are going into extra innings. Since I announced I would continue doing these until the requests stop, several more requests have come in. If anyone would like to get on the list or wouldn't mind spreading the word, now would be the time. Because my workload is so light right now, when I run out of requests here I will open up a list on eBay.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Comet Queen of the Legion Academy is another request from Michael. These requests have been fun because I had not drawn any of these Legion Academy kids before. I least I don't think so. :) We will have one more tomorrow. Thanks again Michael!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

It's been a busy day finishing up the inks on a book I am doing for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I also had to scan the final pages and do some clean up and touch ups on all of them. I then switched gears and worked out some poses for the next Conventionless Convention Sketch that would be for today's post. But I have run out of time. So instead you get a couple of those gesture poses I did today with some other figure work you might recognize from previous posts.

I just looked back to see when I had the last sketchbook day and it was ten days ago. Not too bad. Those ten days have been filled with commissions and video posts. Tomorrow will start the string of commission posts again.

Friday, September 23, 2011

As I said, more Legion of Super-Heroes related goodness. Today it's Nightwind. She is a student of the Legion Academy with the ability to generate and manipulate wind currents. Again, thanks to Michael for the commission.

Also a quick thank you to Travis aka "doughnut42, aka Legion Reservist Reference Lad! Travis has set up an extensive and ever growing library of reference material about the Legion on line in his Flickr account. I have been using it quite a bit in order to get some of these characters drawn. Thanks again Travis!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

More Legion Academy goodness for Michael today. This time it's Power Boy. He has the ability to control his body's density giving him super strength and a bit of invulnerability. He was introduced in Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #240 drawn by one of my favorite artist, Jim Sherman. Thanks for another fun commission Michael! More Legion Academy coming tomorrow. :)

Just another quick note. When I finish up this round of Conventionless Convention Sketches, I will be starting up another round that I will probably post on eBay. That will be around the end of the month. My schedule is open more than I anticipated so this is a fun way to fill it up. When I do announce it and put it on eBay, please feel free to post the information to any message boards or groups that you think might be interested. And of course if anyone here wants a CCS of their own, you don't have to wait for the eBay auction, just send me an email. Thanks!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

We are about to embark on a whole Legion Academy of, well, Legion Academy characters for Michael. First up is Crystal Kid. He can shoot crystal projectiles, encase people in crystal and even turn things into crystal. Hence the name. Thanks Michael!

For those that are not Legion nuts like some of us, the Legion Academy was set up by the Legion of Super-Heroes as a place to teach kids how to control their powers and use them for good. And of course the dream of almost every kid there is to get good enough to join the Legion. There have been a few graduates over the years who made the jump to the Legion. The first were Timber Wolf (called Lone Wolf back then) and Chemical King. This happened way back in the Adventure Comics run in the 1960s.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Lara Croft, Tomb Raider, is for Jose. Jose specified the black outfit she wears from time to time and I like that one too. I didn't want to do another standing pose or one with guns blazing. I thought we should see her in the middle of something "raider" like and less Die Hard. :) Thanks again Jose!

And for those of you keeping score at home, this one marks #12 of the Conventionless Convention Sketches. Next up, a whole lotta Legionnaires! :)

Monday, September 19, 2011

This one is for Jose. He found a character I have never drawn before! I enjoyed this piece a lot, but the drawback to doing it is I have had the song Xanadu by Olivia Newton-John playing in my head continuously while I worked on it. Oy!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

This Supergirl is for Royce. Royce has had me do several Supergirl commissions covering the various outfits she has worn. And they have been fun to do. I believe this costume only appeared in Adventure Comics #415. For those that have never seen it, Supergirl's arms and legs are exposed and she wears shorts under the "skirt". Thanks again for all three commissions Royce!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Royce asked for Shadow Lass in her original costume from Adventure Comics #365 (1968). Always nice to draw the Legion and there are quite a few Legionnaires on the sketch list this time. Thanks Royce!

I recorded the penciling of this piece, and after editing it, I recorded the inking...almost. Again I ran out of space on the memory card and missed the last of it. I will post those tomorrow for those who might be interested.

Emma in her latest outfit was Gary's request. I wasn't sure what Emma is wearing these days, and wouldn't recognize it if I saw it, so I hit Twitter for a little crowd sourcing. I asked what is Emma wearing these days and minutes later @TravisEllisor and @ChrisMShields came through with links. And then a bit later, @happysorceress (Happy Birthday Month!) checked in when she saw my tweet to see if anyone helped me out. How great is that? Thanks everyone! And thank you Gary for the commission!

I also recorded the inking of this piece, but it's not complete. I was working along, almost finished when I looked up at the camera and it was off. The memory card was full. I will post what I have either later tonight or tomorrow. And I need a larger memory card.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Yesterday I did two Conventionless Convention Sketches but because one is a surprise gift, I couldn't show it. Yet. So today I had to make up some time on some commercial work and do some errands. But why waste time sitting in an orthodontist waiting room when I can whip out my iPad and sketch!

CCS's return tomorrow.

I am also putting together the blog that Joe Pekar and I are doing. I am hoping to have it all done by Monday. I need to make the header, and do the design of the blog. We do have a name for it and we have the blog url. Though there were some great ideas from everyone, I'm afraid I came up with the one that both Joe and I really liked. Thanks to everyone that tossed ideas our way.

The above art was created in Sketchbook Pro for the iPad2. Still learning.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

I recorded the inking of Mandy and Skoots. (See earlier post for the finished art) The playback is at 2x speed. This is recorded in HD, you can see that version by clicking on the YouTube logo. It will take you right to my channel. I hope you enjoy it.

Here is John's request for his Conventionless Convention Sketch. John had asked me to do a Mandy pin-up at HeroesCon but I ran out of convention. Thankfully he is patient and got in on this run of commissions. I'm glad I got the chance to do this piece at home. I am a huge fan of Dean Yeagle and his art. I've never met Mr. Yeagle, but we have exchanged emails over the years. Being such a fan I feel a bit intimidated drawing his girl and her pup. Having the time to focus on it in the studio made it a little easier though. Only a little. :)

Monday, September 12, 2011

I recorded the inking of MJ. (See earlier post for the finished art) The playback is at 2x speed. I did add a little bit more after I finished recording but it was done for the most part. This is recorded in HD, you can see that version by clicking on the YouTube logo. It will take you right to my channel. I hope you enjoy it.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

I was busy running errands today and when I finally sat down to work out some roughs for a Conventionless Convention Sketch, I found I was just too tired to finish. So instead of rushing a piece, it's a sketchbook day. :)

Saturday, September 10, 2011

I started to record the inking process before checking to see how full the memory card was in the camera, so I'm sorry this is incomplete. Still, you might enjoy it. I also took out the sound so you can put on your favorite track and watch. Also, I don't ink this fast, it's playing back at 2x speed.

If you would like to see more videos let me know and I will do my best to record some. Remember clicking on the YouTube logo will allow you to watch this at a higher resolution. And while you are there, if you like it, please give it a "Like".

Friday, September 9, 2011

This is another for Brian. And another in my takes on the Bat-Villains as requested. While I didn't go to far off with Mister Freeze yesterday, I did with the Mad Hatter. I had really given this one some thought and felt the gender change was necessary and the motive. And I really can't remember the Hatter's motive in the Batman mythos. Ah well, here are my thoughts about her. Her "origin" if you will:

She was just an ex-model, ex-high fashion designer, recovering from years of the fast lane, who finally snapped when she saw Princess Beatrice's hat at the royal wedding. That hat called to her to make a change in her perception of high fashion. Now Maddie Hattigan strikes terror in the jet set as she dishes out her own brand of fashion justice. She's an artist, determined to either correct the fashion faux pas, or put the wearer out of his or her misery.

Thanks again Brian, I hope you like her! She is not your grand daddy's Hatter, that's for sure.

This was done in ink and white gel pen on 11" x 17" Strathmore Bristol Board.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Brian requested Mister Freeze and when I asked what version he wanted, he said I could make up my own, as if I just started drawing Detective Comics. So here it is. Not too far from what has been seen before but with my own touches. I like the idea of his suit constantly giving off water vapor. Cold air of the suit leaking in various places always have him in a mist. Plus certain areas are alway building up frost and the suit is damp on the outside. Like a cold brew in the hot sun. :) Thanks Brian!

So starts the first of the Conventionless Convention Sketches. Below is a list of the characters you will be seeing. The list is not complete though, I am still waiting for five more selections. And there are still three slots open so if you know someone who would like a CCS, let them know. :)

Coming up, in no particular order:

Catwoman

Mary Jane

Mad Hatter

The Flash

Dean Yeagles Mandy

Lara Croft

Madame Xanadu

Supergirl

Princess Projectra

Shadow Lass

Emma Frost

Mister Freeze was done in ink on an 11" x 17" sheet of Stathmore Bristol Board.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Okay, so I read Action Comics #1 and I enjoyed it. So I thought I would do my attempt at the new Superman. This was done in mixed media on 11" x 17" Arches Cold Press Watercolor Board.

I got a lot of great feedback about my bonus post today. Joe and I are looking forward to starting. Some great ideas have already been tossed our way. We are making a list of the suggested names for the blog so keep them coming. We really appreciate the help. Naming things is hard work. :)

I will be posting some art later today, but in the meantime I have a bonus post for everyone...

Joe Pekar is my guest artist today. I think everyone here knows Joe's work, but if you don't know his work, you are in for a treat. Joe is known for his cute pin-up girls, his comic creation BRANDI BARE and lately for his covers for Zenoscope. What you might not know is Joe also has a background in animation and video game concept illustration/design. I was a fan of Joe's work long before I met him. His color work blows me away to the point that I feel like I should just work in black and white from now on. We finally met a few years ago and became quick friends, often traveling to conventions together and/or sit near each other at the shows. Below are a couple of Joe's recent pieces but check out Joe's Deviant Art site for more examples of his work.

A couple of weeks ago Joe brought up the idea of me and him doing a weekly blog together. Both of us have enjoyed what other artists have done on group blogs and it seems like fun. So we are starting a blog. Just the two of us. We will be taking suggestions from everyone and both of us will tackle the idea/concept/character. Neither of us want to be tied just to superheroes. This isn't a competition (whew!), just a fun way to see how two artist approach the same idea.

Here is where we need some help. We need a name. We are still brainstorming it ourselves, but if anyone has suggestions we would love to hear them. Maybe we could work out some kind of prize if we use your suggestion. So feedback, I would like to hear what you think. Tired of artist group blogs or ready to see what we will do?

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

It's a sketchbook Tuesday folks. Not part of the original plan for today though. I didn't have internet, phone or TV for most of the day. I could still work but things that needed to be emailed or uploaded piled up until the evening when service resumed. Since then I have been playing catch up. Oy.

A couple of quick things:

First, thank you for all the Conventionless Convention Sketch orders. And thanks for getting the word out on Twitter and blog posts. 17 of the 20 slots are filled. With any luck those last three will be filled soon. I will start posting the sketches on Thursday. I thought I might post the list so everyone could see who is getting what, but then I thought some people might not want that. Thoughts? If you commissioned one (or more) and don't mind me posting your first name (or your AKA on the web) let me know. Otherwise I will probably just post the list of characters. Still fun to see the variety.

Tomorrow I have an announcement to make. It concerns a new blog. I was going to announce it today but I didn't get all the art in order or the writing done. So tomorrow it is! I think it's gonna be fun and I am reaching out for your help with it. Details tomorrow.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

I've been asked when I would be running another Conventionless Convention Sketch deal again. The last one being in April. I had been saying I would do another near the end of summer and without realizing it, here we are near the end of Summer. So...

CONVENTIONLESS CONVENTION SKETCHES ARE BACK!

CONVENTIONLESS CONVENTION SKETCHES (CCS)! It's just like a regular con sketch that I would do for you at a convention, except no crowds, no convention hall food, no hotel bill, and no travel. And the price is the same as a show sketch. You only have to pay extra for shipping. Still cheaper than going to a show. If you have been waiting to get a black and white, inked single character sketch from me, now is the time to get it. Or with the holidays coming up real fast, it's a great time to get a piece of original art for a friend and/or loved one. :)

Here are the details...

CCS DEAL:

$50.00 for a single character, inked on 11" x 17" bristol board. I am not doing multiple characters on a single board. Shipping is $12.00. No matter how many sketches you get! Buy 1: Shipping is $12.00! Buy 20, shipping is $12.00! (Just an FYI, my normal studio price starts at $75.00 plus shipping!). This shipping cost is US only, sorry. If you are outside the US, contact me for shipping costs.

I am going to take a total of 20 commissions. Assuming I get 20 requests, of course. Any background elements will be at my discretion. All sketches will be done October 3, 2011. Payment is PayPal only. (No e-checks, please).

If you are interested, send me an email to gene_gonzales(at)mac(dot)com with Conventionless Convention Sketch in the subject line and let me know what you would like. That address and subject line are very important. It helps me sort the requests from other emails. That email address is also my PayPal account, but check with me before sending money, please. I do reserve the right to turn down requests that I don't feel comfortable drawing. If you have any questions, please email me.

Posted above are examples of the last CCS I ran in April.

Please tell your friends, tweet it on Twitter, Face it on Facebook...okay that last one didn't sound right, but you get the idea. :)

I haven't done a Canson Cutie in a while so when Alex contacted me to commission one as a gift, I was more than happy to dig out the color pencils and have at it. Shanna is the subject for this one. I love drawing jungle girls and when Alex told me to go all out with the background and to add animals, it just made the whole project sweeter. Thanks for the commission Alex, I'm glad that Royd likes his gift. Shanna will be winging her way Down Under on Tuesday.

This piece was done in ink, color pencil and some acrylic on an 11x17 sheet of green Canson Mi-Teintes paper.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

It was an 11 hour day of work and I still need to put in a couple of hours on a Canson Cutie commission I am working on. So it's just a sketchbook Thursday of lunch time doodles. Now I am going to go set up in the Tiki Room, work on the commission and watch a bit of TV.